Another twist in Oliver drama

Damien Oliver's tumultuous spring carnival took another turn on Melbourne Cup day when he was criticised for his ride on the favoured Americain while the threat of a long suspension hung over him.

The Victorian government had been called on to step in to give stewards more authority to ban jockeys after reports that Oliver had admitted betting on a rival horse were published on Cup day.

Oliver lost rides in the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup when claims were first aired last month that he had placed $10,000 on Miss Octopussy in a race at Moonee Valley two years ago, also prompting calls for him to be immediately banned.